National Science Foundation: Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)

Modified: August 19, 2015

The purpose of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is to help ensure the vitality and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States. The program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students who are pursuing research-based master's and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and in STEM education. The GRFP provides three years of support for the graduate education of individuals who have demonstrated their potential for significant research achievements in STEM and STEM education. NSF especially encourages women, members of underrepresented minority groups, persons with disabilities, and veterans to apply. NSF also encourages undergraduate seniors to apply.

Fellowship funding will be for a maximum of three years of financial support (in 12-month allocations, starting in summer or fall) usable over a five-year fellowship period. The Graduate Research Fellowship stipend is currently $34,000 for a 12-month tenure period. The cost-of-education allowance to the institution is currently $12,000 per year of fellowship support.

ELIGIBILITY:

The three eligibility requirements for the Graduate Research Fellowship Program are described below. Please see the full solicitation for additional information.

1. Citizenship

Applicants must be United States citizens, nationals, or permanent residents of the United States by the application deadline.

2. Degree Requirements

Applicants are eligible to apply who are: 1) not enrolled in graduate school and will have adequate preparation to attend graduate school in fall 2016; or 2) have not completed more than 12 months of a graduate program in a supported field of study (see Appendix).

3. Field of Study

Applicants must self-certify that they plan to or are pursuing a graduate degree in a supported field of study and that they meet all eligibility criteria for GRFP.

The Office of Research Development offers assistance in identifying and facilitating collaborations, putting together interdisciplinary teams, programmatic and administrative development of large, cross-school proposals, and leveraging institutional resources for outreach and education. Contact Fruma Yehiely (yehiely@northwestern.edu), Associate Vice President for Research, Director of ORD, for more information.